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Risk factors for meningiomas in men in Los Angeles County
Abstract:
A case-control study among men in Los Angeles County was conducted to investigate further the causes of intracranial meningiomas. Meningioma patients and a neighbor of each one were interviewed about past experiences that might be associated with tumor development. Analysis of information from the 105 matched pairs showed an association with meningioma occurrence for various factors relating to head trauma and head X-rays: 1) ever boxed as a sport [odds ratio (OR) = 2.0, P = 0.03], 2) had a serious head injury (OR = 1.9, P = 0.01), and 3) had X-ray treatment to the head before 20 years of age and/or had five or more full mouth dental X-ray series before 1945 (OR = 3.5, P = 0.02). Of the 105 subjects, 72 (69%) had a history of exposure to at least one of these factors.
Insights
History of head trauma, including boxing or serious injury, and early-life head X-rays, are linked to intracranial meningiomas in men. Many patients reported exposure to at least one risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial meningiomas are tumors that develop on the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- The etiology of meningiomas is not fully understood, necessitating further investigation into potential risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential causes of intracranial meningiomas.
- To examine associations between past exposures and meningioma development in men.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Los Angeles County.
- 105 meningioma patients were matched with a control subject (neighbor).
- Interviews were conducted to gather data on past experiences, focusing on head trauma and X-ray exposure.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between meningioma occurrence and: boxing history (OR=2.0, P=0.03), serious head injury (OR=1.9, P=0.01), and head X-ray treatment before age 20 and/or extensive dental X-rays before 1945 (OR=3.5, P=0.02).
- 69% of subjects reported exposure to at least one of these factors.
Conclusions:
- Head trauma and specific types of early-life X-ray exposure may increase the risk of developing intracranial meningiomas.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental and historical exposures in meningioma etiology.